Yes, I have one quite regularly. Usually, you strip down to just your underpants. A good professional masseuse will move towels around so that you never feel particularly exposed.

I finally took the plunge and got a 1 hour massage and paid what for me was a LOT of money (over $1 per minute). Early christmas present was the only way I could justify it… I ‘m not sure what I expected but felt a bit disappointed. I was hooked up to a tens machine for the first 10-15 minutes, just longing for SOMEONE to touch my back or neck and give human contact (even my kids would have done better!). Then I developed a crick in my neck from lying on a table that wasn’t 100% comfy. And when it was all over I didn’t feel that my issue area was really given the attention it needed. I was also hoping for a bit more general all-over attention (at least my back and lower back to be given a few rubs). I also felt I had to chat the whole time and would have rather been quiet. Maybe I just chose the wrong practice for what I was seeking. Shame though. (There aren’t any mum competitions coming up for massage are there?! would love to try again but it wont be for a long time at the prices they are).

I used to work as a myotherapist, and preferred working on skin for legs, back, arms and chest. But for gluteal region I was usually doing more focused work on the trigger points, so treated with a towel on.
A good therapist will drape you well so you dont feel too exposed. There are some remedial massagers that work on you with a towel on too. But speaking from experience, when you are working on someone you are not focusing on the skin too much, you are more concentrating on the muscles below the surface. Its just like when going to the doctors, there is no shame, everyone is different, and good health is both your concerns.

As with any health centres, I think experiences are always based on the actual practitioner. I am very self conscious like yourself and if it was that area that needed treatment .I would go for a female practitioner and that way you will feel more secure and less anxious . Maybe look into Google under your local area and see if there is one near you . Good luck .

thanks. what do you think they would do if the area that needed working was the buttock/upper hamstring?

Most reputable places will get you to strip down to your underpants, but use towels so that only the bit of you they’re working is exposed at any time. I find remedial massages very helpful.