It usually does not heal on its own. Most diaphragmatic injuries are caused by violence to the chest, such as stabbing, gunshot or traffic accidents, and can easily lead to rupture of the diaphragm, which requires surgical treatment, i.e. diaphragmatic repair. However, if the diaphragm rupture is not diagnosed, it can enter a latent phase, which in some cases can last for years or decades, and can be asymptomatic and easily mistaken for ‘self-healing’. Patients should therefore be treated promptly and aggressively.