From Tragedy to Triumph: VA Employee’s Success with Acupuncture and Hands-On Medicine

Since the start of acupuncture at Wilmington VA in December of 2023, Hildebrand has made a large impact on pain management for Veterans. 

“I have guys come to an appointment at a level 10 pain and leave feeling so much better,” said Hildebrand. 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of several techniques that make up the system of care provided by those trained in traditional medicine from China and other Asian countries. It is most frequently thought of as the use of needles to relieve pain in the body. However, there are also other techniques a Veteran can use for pain management.

“It’s not always just needles, I use other techniques,” said Hildebrand. “Needles are only one part of the healing experience. I am finding with a lot of Veterans that they haven’t received care that involves touch. I am analyzing everything and on some psychological level it makes a difference for them. I sent five Veterans to podiatry just from the ability I have to look at their feet.”

Hildebrand also uses cupping and massaging techniques which also requires touch. Common pain that Hildebrand treats for Veterans is back, neck, knee and shoulder pain. She even has treatments that can help with tinnitus. 

These techniques are an option for Veterans to use to help manage pain without drugs. 

Hildebrand’s Story

For Hildebrand, she found the importance of hands-on medicine at 23 years old when she found herself badly injured.

Hildebrand’s life took a drastic turn when a vehicle collided with her bike in Washington D.C. one afternoon. The accident left her with a severely crushed vertebra in her lower back. As she embarked on her journey to recovery, she found herself immersed in the world of hands-on medicine which helped open her mind to a career path in the world of pain management. 

Since Hildebrand took to studying hands on medicine, she has done many missions in helping the military. Most recently besides having her own practice in Arizona before coming to the VA, Hildebrand went to Ukraine to teach group acupuncture and battlefield acupuncture. She taught more than 100 medical professionals there. 

“I am a second-generation Ukrainian-American, maternal surname is Simchak, and have visited Ukraine since 2004 when I sought lost family connections,” said Hildebrand. “In 2017, I travelled to western Ukraine with a group of western medical providers serving orphanages. I was able to build a relationship with the Uzhhorod National University College of Medicine to speak there.” 

After 23 years of experience, Hildebrand recently received the third annual Rosalind Franklin Society Award in science for 2023 due to her experiences and written article about Auricular Acupuncture in Combat Medic Trainings. 

“Celia is absolutely wonderful and an asset to the VA,” said U.S. Army Veteran John McLaughlin. “She is an angel and so on top of her game.”

The Wilmington VA Acupuncture Program

Hildebrand sees between 30 to 45 Veterans a week and since the program has started she has seen more than 400 patients.

To see Hildebrand, you must first get a referral from your primary care provider. From there, Hildebrand will meet via phone or video consult to determine your needs. The program is filled with Veterans trying to see Hildebrand therefore Veterans may have a long wait for a new appointment. 

“I hope to expand the program and teach what I know to other acupuncturists,” said Hildebrand. 

Hildebrand has also been able to see more Veterans using a first of its kind group acupuncture technique. Group clinics focus on trauma and pain. These clinics reduce inflammation and cortisol while increasing blood flow, oxygen levels and endorphins.

“I have been getting acupuncture treatments for over two years outside of the VA and I have been happy with the treatments,” said McLaughlin who recently started receiving treatments with Hildebrand. “Acupuncture treatments are far better at the VA than in the community. Celia also shared information on other departments during my visit that may be beneficial to him. She goes above and beyond.”

When he receives acupuncture, he ends the session without a limp and feels great said McLaughlin.

Although acupuncture may work for many Veterans, Hildebrand still heeds Veterans to take their pain management into their own hands every day by promoting whole health. 

“Healing is a two-way street,” said Hildebrand. 

To get into contact with a whole health clinic, program, or service near you go to Whole Health Facility Contacts - Whole Health (va.gov)