Lying prone or standing
If you wish to palpate on the skin, provide a private room. If you think this is necessary, the patient is asked if he/she is willing to either lower his/her pants, if needed, for direct palpation on the skin. Palpation on the skin is possible also by lifting the shorts and placing the fingers on the skin of the buttocks, with permission. While the skin can not be viewed with clothes covering the area, the gluteus maximus can be palpated over clothing.
Posterior to the patient.
May I touch the center of your buttocks (or point to the area)?. Please lie on your stomach (or stand) and bring your whole leg up (or back) (or demonstrate). (If needed, hold in this position while I try to move your whole leg.)
Guide the patient to lie prone (or stand). With the patient relaxed and with permission, place your fingers on the center of the buttocks, either on clothing or on the skin. Guide the patient to extend the hip. With unclear muscle activity (more likely in standing), increase the contraction of the gluteus maximus by asking the patient to extend the hip while you provide a push on the thigh in the direction of hip flexion.
VH - Gluteus maximus