“Sometimes pain can be acute and sudden, but sometimes it’s the exact opposite,” said Celia Hildebrand, an acupuncturist at the Wilmington VA, as she explained the Wilmington VA’s first pain management acupuncture program.
Since beginning acupuncture treatments at the Wilmington VA in December 2023, Hildebrand has made a significant impact on veterans’ pain management.
“We’ve had people come in with level 10 pain and leave feeling so much better,” Hildebrand says.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of several techniques that make up a system of treatment offered by people trained in the traditional medicine of China and other Asian countries. Acupuncture is most often thought of as a treatment that uses needles to relieve physical pain. However, there are other techniques that veterans can use for pain management.
“I don’t always use only needles, I use other techniques,” Hildebrand said. “Needles are just part of the treatment experience. I realize a lot of veterans don’t get the care that’s tactile. I analyze everything, but on a psychological level it makes a difference for them. I’ve sent five veterans to podiatry just because I can see their feet.”
Hildebrand also uses cupping and massage techniques, which also require touch. The most common pain areas Hildebrand sees in treating veterans are back, neck, knee and shoulder pain. He also has treatments that work for tinnitus.
These techniques are options veterans can use to manage pain without medication.
The Story of Hildebrand
Hildebrand realized the importance of hands-on medicine when she was seriously injured at age 23.
Hildebrand’s life changed dramatically one afternoon when a car struck her bicycle in Washington, DC. The accident severely compressed her lumbar spine. As she began her road to recovery, she became immersed in hands-on medicine, which led to a career in pain management.
Hildebrand has served in many capacities in support of the military since she began her practical medicine studies, running her own clinic in Arizona before coming to the VA and recently traveling to Ukraine to teach mass acupuncture and battlefield acupuncture, where she taught more than 100 medical professionals.
“I’m a second-generation Ukrainian-American, my mother’s last name is Simchak, and I’ve been visiting Ukraine since 2004 in search of lost family connections,” Hildebrand said. “In 2017, I traveled to western Ukraine with a group of Western health care providers who provide medical care to orphanages, and I was able to develop a connection with the Uzhhorod State University School of Medicine to give a talk there.”
After 23 years of experience, Hildebrand recently received the 2023 Third Annual Rosalind Franklin Society Science Award for her experience and writing on auricular acupuncture in combat medic training.
“Celia is such a wonderful person and such an asset to the VA,” said U.S. Army veteran John McLaughlin. “She’s like an angel and just does the best job.”
Wilmington VA Acupuncture Program
Hildebrand sees between 30 and 45 veterans a week and has seen more than 400 patients since the program began.
To see Hildebrand, you must first get a referral from your family doctor. From there, Hildebrand will meet with you via phone or video consultation to assess your needs. Because the program is filled with veterans trying to see Hildebrand, veterans may experience long wait times to get a new appointment.
“I would like to expand the program and teach my knowledge to other acupuncturists,” Hildebrand said.
Hildebrand is now able to see more veterans using group acupuncture techniques for the first time. The group clinics focus on trauma and pain. These clinics reduce inflammation and cortisol and increase blood flow, oxygen levels and endorphins.
“I’ve been getting acupuncture outside of the VA for over two years and have been very happy with the care,” says McLaughlin, who recently began receiving treatment at Hildebrand. “The acupuncture at the VA is far superior to the local one. Celia also provided me with information about other departments during my visits that may be beneficial to him. She goes above and beyond what is expected.”
McLaughlin said that after receiving acupuncture, she is able to leave the treatment without a limp and feeling great.
While acupuncture may be effective for many veterans, Hildebrand cautions veterans to promote their overall health and manage their own pain on a daily basis.
“Healing is a two-way street,” Hildebrand said.
To contact a Whole Health clinic, program, or service near you, visit Whole Health Facility Contacts – Whole Health (va.gov).
